‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ yes, the chanting reverberates at every home and apartment throughout the country. The residential complexes resonated the rituals to welcome the God of prosperity and also have geared up to give a fitting farewell. Almost all festivals as per Hindu mythology are very close to nature. The Pancha Bhuta depicts the very basis of cosmic creations and are duly adored in all festivities. It is time for thanksgiving to the Creator. If we deeply look into the very nerve of the religious sentiment, we will realize how the nature is intertwined with the religious rituals that we practice. For instance, Lord Krishna is seen with cows. Ganesha is a known as elephant God. Ma Durga is seen sitting on a lion. Hindus start the day with Surya Namaskar. We celebrate the harvest festivals in different formats all over the country. It is more than obvious that we are always for nature from time immemorial. For us trees are more than just giving oxygen or shade. We have a religious link with many trees. In the Bhagavad Gita (15:1), Lord Krishna says that the banyan tree is representing the entire Cosmos. The purity of peepal tree (pavitratha) is nothing new to all

In fact, every faith is leading to the path of love and compassion to the various living organisms as well as nature. Irrespective of any particular faith, the entire human race firmly believes in protecting Mother Earth. Prophet Muhammad demonstrated the value of resource preservation, sustainable consumption, tree planting, compassion for all creatures, and upholding a clean and safe environment. According to Islamic teachings, all living things, not just humans, have a right to share in nature’s basic elements, namely water, fire, wood, and light. The importance of preserving the environment and its resources has been underlined by Islam. Islam instills environmental preservation in its followers and Muslims hold the view that God will hold mankind accountable for their actions should they not protect the planet. Christianity also has a long historical tradition of reflection on nature and human responsibility towards nature.  Jesus asserted that all creatures have intrinsic value in the eyes of God. Christmas tree symbolizes Xmas. So, what is preventing us to care the nature and fellow living beings?

Having discussed the connectivity of festivals, a logical question arises as to whether we are expected to save nature. Why then, we should use plastics and non-biodegradable items during the celebration. All waterbodies will be full of idols soon. Why should we pollute our water bodies with idols made of chemicals which are not going to biodegrade? Why should we kill the animals on the festival eve? Why should we waste food on these occasions? Why should we burst crackers and pollute the environment? Why should we raise the noise of our loudspeakers beyond the permitted decibels? Let us try to make clay models of idols and dissolve it in rivers and waterbodies.

This is our age-old tradition; the rest are recent arrivals!